Abstract:

Objective To investigate the serum lipid-related knowledge requirement and self-care behaviors of patients with hyperlipidemia so as to provide basis for effective health education. Methods A total of 150 patients with hyperlipidemia were investigated with a self-designed questionnaire for demographic data, serum lipid-related knowledge requirement and self-care behaviors. Results The serum lipid-related knowledge most required by patients was the main harm caused by hyperlipidemia (70.7%), proper dietary management (65.3%) and the relationship between hyperlipidemia and coronary heart diseases (62.7%), while the serum lipid-related knowledge less required was the diagnostic criteria of hyperlipidemia (22.7%), psychological adjustment method (22.0%), the serum lipid parameters and normal range of values (15.3%). Patients were more inclined to acquire knowledge by attending health seminars (81.3%) and reading health education manuals (77.3%) and publicity column (52.0%). In contrast, video and audio (12.7%), short message reminders (30.7%) and email reminders (34.7%) were not popularly accepted. Most of the patients had proper behaviors on alcohol intake (76.0%), smoking (52.0%), fresh vegetables and fruits taking (74.7%), lard intake (65.3%), tea drinking (59.3%) and physical exercises (84.7%). However, 52.0% patients spent no less than 4 h on watching TV, reading, using computers and playing computer games every day. Conclusion Nurses should understand the needs of education and life status of patients. It is important to provide individualized health education to help the patients control serum lipid levels.

Key words: serum lipid, knowledge, self-care, health education